refrigerated vans – Commercial Van Solutions

The Importance of Temperature Control in Refrigerated Vans

Posted on January 16, 2025 by commercialvansolutions

Temperature control is the backbone of refrigerated van operations, particularly in industries that rely on transporting perishable goods. Whether it’s food, pharmaceuticals, or flowers, maintaining the correct temperature during transit ensures that products stay fresh, safe, and effective when they reach their destination. Refrigerated vans, equipped with specialized cooling systems, are designed to regulate internal temperatures and provide an environment that protects sensitive goods. Here’s why temperature control is crucial in refrigerated vans and how it affects the transportation of perishable items.

1. Ensuring Food Safety

For the food industry, temperature control is essential to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth, both of which can lead to foodborne illnesses. Many types of food, such as meat, dairy, and seafood, need to be kept at specific temperatures to prevent contamination and ensure they remain safe for consumption. If the temperature in a refrigerated van rises above the required range, bacteria can multiply quickly, increasing the risk of foodborne illness and resulting in potentially dangerous products reaching consumers.

2. Preserving Product Quality

Temperature fluctuations can severely affect the quality of perishable goods, diminishing their taste, texture, and overall appearance. Fruits and vegetables, for example, can wilt, over-ripen, or lose nutrients if they’re exposed to heat, while dairy products can spoil quickly when not kept cold. In addition, frozen products such as ice cream or frozen meals can lose their texture and integrity when allowed to thaw and refreeze.

3. Compliance with Health and Safety Regulations

Most countries have stringent regulations regarding the transportation of perishable goods, particularly in the food and pharmaceutical industries. These regulations often specify the temperature ranges required for transporting different types of products. For example, medications and vaccines must be kept within a very narrow temperature range to retain their effectiveness, and food must be transported at temperatures that prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

4. Extending Shelf Life and Reducing Waste

Proper temperature control in refrigerated vans extends the shelf life of perishable goods, reducing the likelihood of waste. By maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the transportation process, businesses can ensure that products reach their destination in a sellable or usable condition, minimizing the risk of spoilage. This is especially important for industries like food production and distribution, where large quantities of goods are often transported over long distances.

By ensuring that products stay within optimal temperature ranges, refrigerated vans help reduce losses associated with product spoilage, improving the overall efficiency of the supply chain. This also allows businesses to better manage their inventories, reduce waste, and provide fresh products to customers.

5. Enabling Long-Distance and International Transport

Refrigerated vans are not only critical for local deliveries but also for long-distance and international transport. When goods need to be moved across cities, countries, or even continents, maintaining temperature control becomes even more challenging. Whether goods are transported via road, rail, or sea, refrigerated vans and trucks with advanced temperature control systems are essential for ensuring that products remain fresh and safe for extended periods.

Conclusion

Temperature control is vital in ensuring the safety, quality, and compliance of perishable goods during transportation. Refrigerated vans provide an essential service to industries that rely on transporting sensitive products, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and flowers, by maintaining the required temperature ranges and preserving the integrity of goods. Whether it’s preventing spoilage, complying with regulations, or reducing waste, temperature control plays a key role in the efficiency of the entire supply chain. As technology continues to advance, refrigerated vans will remain a cornerstone of industries that depend on the safe and efficient transport of perishable items.

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Choosing the Right Refrigeration System for Your Reefer Van

Posted on June 1, 2024 by commercialvansolutions

Choosing the right refrigeration system for your reefer van is crucial to ensure that your perishable goods remain fresh and properly preserved during transportation. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a refrigeration system for your reefer van:

1. Temperature Requirements: Determine the specific temperature requirements for the products you’ll be transporting. Some goods may require precise temperature control, such as frozen foods, dairy products, or pharmaceuticals, while others may have more flexible temperature ranges. Choose a refrigeration system that can maintain the required temperature consistently and accurately.

2. Cooling Capacity: Consider the cooling capacity of the refrigeration system, which is typically measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units) or horsepower (HP). The cooling capacity should be sufficient to maintain the desired temperature inside the reefer van, even in extreme weather conditions or during long-distance transportation.

3. Insulation: Evaluate the insulation properties of the reefer van to ensure that it provides adequate thermal protection and minimizes temperature fluctuations. High-quality insulation materials, such as polyurethane foam or fiberglass, can help maintain temperature stability and reduce energy consumption.

4. Power Source: Determine the power source for the refrigeration system, such as engine-driven, electric, or hybrid. Engine-driven systems use the vehicle’s engine to power the refrigeration unit, while electric systems rely on an external power source, such as a generator or shore power. Choose a power source that is convenient, reliable, and cost-effective for your specific transportation needs.

5. Energy Efficiency: Look for energy-efficient refrigeration systems that can help minimize fuel consumption and operating costs over time. Features such as variable-speed compressors, automatic defrosting, and advanced insulation technologies can contribute to energy savings and reduce environmental impact.

6. Maintenance Requirements: Consider the maintenance requirements of the refrigeration system, including routine inspections, servicing, and repairs. Choose a system that is easy to maintain and service, with accessible components and reliable support from the manufacturer or supplier.

7. Size and Configuration: Select a refrigeration system that is compatible with the size and configuration of your reefer van. Consider factors such as available space, weight restrictions, and installation requirements to ensure a proper fit and optimal performance.

8. Temperature Monitoring and Control: Look for refrigeration systems with advanced temperature monitoring and control features, such as digital thermostats, remote monitoring capabilities, and temperature alarms. These features allow you to monitor and adjust the temperature inside the reefer van in real-time, ensuring that your goods remain within the desired temperature range at all times.

9. Compliance and Regulations: Ensure that the refrigeration system complies with relevant regulations and industry standards, such as FDA (Food and Drug Administration) guidelines for food transportation or pharmaceutical storage requirements. Choose a system that meets or exceeds regulatory requirements to ensure compliance and product safety.

10. Cost and Budget: Finally, consider the initial cost, operating expenses, and long-term value of the refrigeration system in relation to your budget and financial constraints. Balance the upfront investment with factors such as reliability, performance, and total cost of ownership to make an informed decision that meets your needs and priorities.

By carefully considering these factors and conducting thorough research, you can choose the right refrigeration system for your reefer van that meets your specific requirements and ensures the safe and efficient transportation of perishable goods.

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6 Commercial Benefits Of Refrigerated Vans

Posted on March 1, 2024 by commercialvansolutions

Refrigerated vans offer a multitude of commercial benefits across various industries, providing a reliable means of transporting temperature-sensitive goods.

Here are six key commercial advantages:

Preservation of Product Quality: One of the primary commercial benefits of refrigerated vans is the preservation of product quality during transportation. For businesses dealing with perishable goods such as fresh produce, dairy products, and meats, maintaining the right temperature is crucial. Refrigerated vans ensure that these products reach their destination in optimal condition, reducing spoilage and maintaining freshness. This, in turn, enhances customer satisfaction and reinforces the reputation of the business for delivering high-quality goods.

Expansion of Market Reach: Refrigerated vans enable businesses to expand their market reach by facilitating the transportation of perishable goods over longer distances. This is particularly beneficial for suppliers and distributors looking to serve a wider customer base. The ability to transport temperature-sensitive products reliably allows businesses to tap into new markets and reach consumers who may be located far from the production or distribution centers.

Reduction in Product Loss and Waste: Efficient temperature control in refrigerated vans significantly reduces the risk of product loss and waste. Businesses can transport larger quantities of perishable goods without concerns about spoilage, ensuring that products are not only delivered in optimal condition but also minimizing economic losses associated with wasted inventory. This reduction in product loss contributes directly to improved profitability for businesses.

Enhanced Supply Chain Efficiency: Refrigerated vans play a vital role in enhancing supply chain efficiency, particularly in industries where maintaining the cold chain is essential. From producers to distributors and retailers, a seamless and controlled transportation process ensures that goods move through the supply chain without interruptions. This efficiency is crucial for just-in-time delivery practices, allowing businesses to optimize inventory management and respond promptly to market demands.

Compliance with Industry Regulations: Many industries, such as the food and pharmaceutical sectors, have stringent regulations regarding the transportation of temperature-sensitive products. Refrigerated vans enable businesses to comply with these industry-specific regulations, ensuring that products are transported in a manner that meets safety and quality standards. Compliance with regulations not only avoids legal issues but also builds trust with customers who value adherence to established industry standards.

Cost Savings and Improved Resource Management: While the initial investment in refrigerated vans may seem substantial, the long-term cost savings can be significant. By minimizing product loss, businesses reduce the need for constant replenishment of inventory, resulting in cost savings over time. Additionally, efficient supply chain management, including the use of refrigerated vans, allows businesses to optimize their resources, streamline operations, and potentially reduce overall transportation costs.

Diversification of Product Offerings: Refrigerated vans empower businesses to diversify their product offerings. This is particularly relevant for those dealing with a variety of perishable goods. The ability to transport items with different temperature requirements, such as frozen foods, chilled beverages, and pharmaceuticals, allows businesses to expand their product range and cater to diverse customer needs.

In conclusion, the commercial benefits of refrigerated vans are significant for businesses involved in the transportation of temperature-sensitive goods. From preserving product quality and expanding market reach to reducing product loss and ensuring regulatory compliance, these vans contribute to improved supply chain efficiency and enhanced overall profitability. The investment in refrigerated transportation not only safeguards the integrity of perishable products but also positions businesses to thrive in competitive markets with high expectations for quality and reliability.

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Industries That Can Benefit From Using a Refrigerated Van

Posted on May 6, 2022 by commercialvansolutions

When transporting goods, it is essential to maintain the quality of everything you are carrying. If, for example, you were to ship frozen desserts from one state to another without ensuring a consistent temperature, the desserts would melt, and it would be a disaster for your business. This example illustrates the importance of having the right equipment for the job.

A refrigerated van is a perfect vehicle for keeping goods at cold temperatures. If you’re curious if you might need one, we’ve created a guide on different industries that can benefit from using a refrigerated van.

Pharmaceutical

Pharmacies may not spring immediately to mind when you think about refrigeration, but cold storage serves a key role in providing the medicine that many people rely on for their well-being.

Some medical supplies, such as insulin or vaccines, are extraordinarily fragile and need to stay cool, or they might degrade and risk a patient’s health. Refrigerated vans help ensure those medicines can reach their communities and keep people safe.

Florists

You might wonder why flowers would require refrigeration. Many floral shops will deliver to a wide range of customers, from locals to those all over the country.

Once they’ve cut or harvested a flower, the best way to prevent it from wilting is by keeping it between 34 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. The right refrigerated van will help flowers remain intact when delivering them to customers.

Catering

It would be awful to spend hours working on different meals to ship out, only to have them either spoil or lose flavor due to unideal conditions.

Not only is it good practice to refrigerate your food for transport, but FDA regulations require specific temperatures for food. With refrigerated vans, your food will be climate-controlled for the length of its travel.

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A Quick Guide to Buying vs. Renting Refrigerated Trucks

Posted on March 17, 2022 by commercialvansolutions

When your business involves regularly transporting perishable goods, you need a reliable solution for your refrigerated transport needs. Consequently, how you choose to move your produce or frozen poultry will significantly impact your business.

You mainly have two options for this: you can either buy your insulated trucks or rent them from a logistics company in Monroe, NC. Both have their unique characteristics and their own sets of pros and cons. Considering this, you must understand their differences to make the right choice for your operations.

To guide you, here are three of the many factors that you must consider as you decide:

1. Storage Capacity

Today, refrigerated vans come in various sizes. If you only need to transport small loads, you’ll find refrigerated vans to be enough for your needs. However, if you will be moving large volumes of food items, you’ll want to consider reefer trucks and trailers.

Purchasing vans can be relatively easier to handle than purchasing trucks and trailers. However, both are big transactions, so you need to make sure that you are financially ready.

On the other hand, partnering with logistics companies may be a simpler and more affordable way to have your food items moved. On top of that, you have the liberty of changing the vehicle you will use to suit your needs—all you have to do is coordinate with your carrier.

2. Temperature

Regardless of whether you are buying or renting reefer trucks, this is one thing that you must pay attention to.

It helps to keep in mind that not all refrigeration is equal. You need to identify the type of perishable good you are moving and then find the transport unit that can accommodate its temperature requirement.

When buying insulated trucks, make sure to coordinate with your dealer and specify what you will be using them for. In doing so, they will assist you in finding the right vehicle.

The same goes when renting from a logistics company. Let them know your requirements, and they will be more than glad to help you find the appropriate truck from their fleet.

3. Client Requirements

Another factor worth looking into is the volume of client orders that you need to accommodate.

If you have a relatively stable influx of orders and client requirements, purchasing your own refrigerated truck may be a good solution.

On the other hand, if you constantly deal with sporadic and unpredictable deliveries, renting insulated trucks may be the smarter option. This route gives you the flexibility you need to accommodate every client’s requirement.

Whether you need to deliver a small volume this week and thrice its amount the next, you’ll be able to scale up and down easily.

4. Your Schedule

Ultimately, it’s a practical move to go with the option that suits your time constraints.

You may find that buying your own reefer truck can be time-consuming. On top of that, you may not be able to drive the vehicle right after purchasing it.

On the other hand, partnering with refrigerated truck rentals can be more advantageous if you’re working on a tight timeline. Some professional carriers can even accommodate your freight 24/7. This allows you to move your products whenever you need them.

Conclusion

Finding the right refrigerated transport solutions can greatly impact your business. It is for this reason that you must decide carefully between buying an insulated truck or partnering with logistics carriers.

On that note, make sure to study your firm’s current operations and business requirements. Doing so will enable you to find the solution that will truly accommodate your needs and empower you to deliver excellent service to your stakeholders.

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Things You Need To Know Before Buying a Refrigerated Vehicle

Posted on March 17, 2022 by commercialvansolutions

It is sometimes vital for you to have high-quality, dependable refrigerated vans for your business. When you invest in adding a refrigerated truck or van into your delivery fleet, you will want to know that you are choosing the right vehicle for the job. It can help to learn the varied factors that go into buying a vehicle. Read on to learn the things you need to know before buying a refrigerated vehicle.

What Type of Vehicles Can You Choose?

The type and size of your business can dictate whether you go with a refrigerated van or truck. Depending on what your delivery and product needs are, you may want to consider one of the following types of refrigerated vehicles:

Chiller Conversion Van

Insulation vans with a refrigerated part are known as chiller conversion vans. The chiller conversion part efficiently keeps warm air out while drawing in frigid air to support cooler conditions. These frigid conditions enable businesses to deliver many perishable goods that do not require storage at below-zero temperatures.

Semi-Freezer Van

Semi-freezer vans have extensive insulation and refrigeration capabilities. Semi-freezer vans can transport frozen products that need to keep below zero degrees Fahrenheit. They are also capable of quickly defrosting products when required.

Full-Freezer Van

Full freezer vans have more robust, heat-resistant doors and sidewalls in addition to the features of a semi-freezer van. Heat-resistant doors reduce the amount of heat that enters the cabin because of the conductivity from the sun’s rays on metal.

Refrigerated Truck

Refrigerated trucks, also known as reefer trucks, are box trucks or semi-trucks with refrigerated trailers. These trucks keep products at the right temperature for long distances. They can also carry higher payloads than a typical van.

Factors To Consider

Several distinct factors will help you to figure out the right refrigerated vehicle for you and your business. It’s best practice to take some time before buying a vehicle and jot down what your business needs are and use those in conjunction with some of the following considerations:

Budget

You will want to have a price you’re willing to pay in mind before you shop. Research some of the typical costs for these types of vehicles to get an idea of what you’ll have to spend. You may see an unbelievably affordable refrigerated truck on the market.

However, keep in mind that low prices don’t necessarily mean it’s reliable when you push it into your delivery fleet. Stick with reputable sellers with a range of pricing options that you can trust, even if your budget is on the lower end of the scale.

Temperature Requirements

You will need to assess the temperature requirements for the products you need to transport. Many items will deteriorate if left above a specific temperature. For example, suppose you are a pharmacy that needs to deliver medication. In that case, it is imperative that you have the right vehicle that will chill them.

Once you’ve found the temperature range you need to keep your products safe and protected, you can find refrigerated vehicles that can keep to that same range.

Payload Size

How much product do you expect to ship daily, weekly, and monthly? For smaller businesses such as a pharmacy or floral shop, you’ll most likely only need the services of a refrigerated van. For larger businesses like grocery stores, you should consider a refrigerated truck with an extensive payload capacity to transport your products safely and efficiently.

Larger-sized trucks are more likely to handle multiple temperature needs, so you can simultaneously deliver distinct types of products without worrying about any of them degrading over time.

Distance

You should consider how far you’ll typically go when moving goods around. If you are primarily moving products in your city, you will want to stick to a refrigerated van. Vans are more maneuverable around tight turns and easier to load and unload in any parking spot.

However, if you plan on doing more long-distance deliveries, a refrigerated truck is better able to handle longer drives. It will reliably keep products cool over a prolonged period.

Condition and Age

If you plan on buying a new refrigerated vehicle, you won’t have to worry as much about what condition it is in when you drive it off the lot. However, you might want to investigate a used vehicle to fit your budget. In that case, you should pay special attention to the age and state of each vehicle you’re considering.

Older trucks are not as efficient as newer ones, but they can still serve many of the same functions if they are well maintained. While you don’t need to find a brand new one, recent models will often have more advanced cooling features than their older counterparts, which may better suit your needs.

Fuel Efficiency

This factor may tie into the condition and age of the truck. Many refrigerated vehicles use gasoline to power the engine and the refrigerated components that cool the inside of the cabin.

These power needs can result in the vehicle using up more fuel than a typical truck of its size. Newer ones will typically employ more fuel-efficient technologies if you are concerned about the price of fuel.

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The Different Types of Refrigerated Vans

Posted on March 7, 2022March 24, 2022 by commercialvansolutions

One variable among many in supply chain logistics is the necessity to keep some goods cool. Companies equip train cars, cargo ships, and trucks and vans to keep the cold in and the heat out when transporting goods over long distances.

However, there are a few specific van types that vary according to shipment needs. Here is a guide to the different types of refrigerated vans.

Insulation Van

The definition of a refrigerated van is a vehicle that not only keeps goods cool by keeping heat out and the cold in, but also actively maintains the cold through refrigeration. Insulation vans don’t fit this latter qualification—they don’t have a refrigeration system—but they are adept at keeping goods cool for as long as possible.

As a result, these vehicles are best for transporting cool long-lived or non-perishable products. Their 50-millimeter Styrofoam or polystyrene insulation prevents an easy thermal bridge from forming and introducing heat by cutting off all potential heat and air entryways when employees seal the cargo.

Chiller Conversion Van

Chiller conversion vans are essentially insulation vans with a refrigeration component attached. This means that it keeps heat out effectively while bringing in more cool air to keep temperatures low.

This allows companies to transport many perishable products to do not require below-zero storage temperatures. Some examples of companies that use chiller conversion vans include florists and those shipping non-frozen foods or beverages.

Semi-Freezer Van

Meanwhile, semi-freezer vans have more advanced insulation, about 75-millimeters thick, than chiller and insulation vans while boasting a higher refrigeration capacity than chiller vans.

These vans can transport frozen foods and other items that must stay below freezing. It also has quick-defrost measures that eliminate the need for a defrost heater.

Full-Freezer Van

Among all the different types of refrigerated vans, full-freezer vans, true to their name, allow for the most significant freezing. They share many of the same features as the semi-freezer vans, but with at least one added dimension: thicker, heat-resistant doors and sidewalls.

This lessens how much the inside of the cargo area heats up due to conduction from the sun’s rays on the metal exterior.

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The Benefits of Refrigerated Vans & Your Business

Posted on February 15, 2022 by commercialvansolutions

The popularity of transport vehicles with temperature-controlled features is growing every year. While the larger refrigerated trucks have been used by businesses for decades, many companies do not have a need for that volume or size vehicle.

Fortunately, the refrigerated vans serve the same purpose on a much smaller scale. Refrigerated vans are perfect for smaller businesses or temporary use when transporting anything from produce and perishable foods to pharmaceuticals and flowers. If you find your need for a refrigerated mode of transportation is becoming more common, then having immediate access to a refrigerated van for your business may be just what you are looking for.

The refrigerated vans fulfill the need of safely hauling sensitive goods and give you full control of your transportation needs regarding timing, schedule flexibility, temperature control and care of the goods. You will ultimately have full control of the delivery.

More Than Food Transportation

While refrigerated vans have always been used by caterers for food transport these temperature-controlled vans offer versatility for a variety of other businesses and products that require specific climates to prevent contamination or spoilage, ranging from pharmaceutical supplies and nutritional supplements to food, perfumes and cosmetics.

Protect Your Goods Yourself

When you have your own refrigerated van, it allows you to take control of the delivery and care of your products rather than hiring freight companies. This puts you in charge of knowing how products are handled, ensuring the protection from spoilage of produce, contamination of products or wilting of flowers, etc., whatever your business may be.

Flexibility of Time

In lieu of hiring a company for goods transport, a refrigerated van of your own allows you the flexibility of time to work with your schedule or that of your staff. Not only is this an advantage for you, but it enables you to provide better customer service to clients by accommodating their schedule.

Consistent Temperature is the Law

Due to FDA regulations on so many consumer products, safe transportation and consistent temperature is a must for staying in compliance. The refrigerated van gives the driver full control of the thermostat and it also has an overnight standby mode for maintaining climate control over long distances.

Versatility for Delivery Services

The refrigerated van offers versatility for multiple industries. With the ability to manually control the temperature in these vehicles, your business can deliver a variety of products and still meet FDA regulations.

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Top 5 Benefits of Using Refrigerated Vans

Posted on October 7, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

Refrigerated vans are trucks equipped with cooling bodies to transport goods over long distances. It is very useful for the transportation of temperature sensitive goods to supermarkets or foods to festivals or even medical materials to hospitals. For a transportation firm, having refrigerated vans are a must to expand their business and generate more revenue.

Here are 5 benefits of using refrigerated vans:

Versatile: Refrigerated vans are not restricted to only one industry. The van can be utilized in many businesses from fish, dairy, meat industry to pharmaceutical and chemicals industry. This helps transportation firm in having worked throughout the year and so the business never goes through a dormant phase.

Protection: The refrigerated vans are capable of transporting perishable items over long distances. If one owns a refrigerated van then he doesn’t have to worry about the safety of perishable goods like flowers and vegetables while transporting it over long distances. Using refrigerated trucks also protects the freight from theft, spoilage, damage and harsh weather conditions.

Temperature can be regulated: In refrigerated vans, you can control the temperature according to the needs of the specific items. While products like meat and fish need to be kept frozen, flowers need to be kept only at a cool temperature to stop them from drying and wilting. The ability to regulate the temperature provides flexibility in carrying goods from one place to another.

Variety of sizes: Refrigerated vans are available in a variety of sizes. Hence if you only require the van to transport a certain product from time to time, then you can choose the size according to the needs of your items for transportation. Thus the investment is totally cost effective.

Long distance travel: The greatest benefit of having a refrigerated van is its ability to transport almost any product over long distances. It can easily transport goods from one state to another or even one country to another due to the refrigeration facilities. If the roads are smooth and properly maintained then there’s none better than refrigerated vans for long distance transports.

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The Benefits of Refrigerated Vans & Your Business

Posted on October 7, 2021 by commercialvansolutions